JUDGMENT

Fateh Deep Singh, J. (Oral) - The matter has been taken up through Videoconferencing on account of outbreak of pandemic COVID-19.

2. The petitioners, who are husband and wife have come up in this writ petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of directions to the respondents to terminate the pregnancy of the wife-petitioner No. 1 in respect of the child in her womb. The claim is based on the premise that as per the medical examination of the pregnancy by the experts expressed it was found that the foetus is suffering from Tetralogy of Fallot with Ventricular Septal Defect and there is large hole in the heart and which continuation of the pregnancy would be dangerous for the life of the child.

3. Consequent upon appearance on behalf of the respondents by the counsel vide order dated 1.3.2021, on prayer the Permanent Medical Board from P.G.I. Chandigarh was called for to adjudge on the same.

4. That as per the report bearing No. HSPADN000374 dated 4.3.2021 received by this Court in sealed cover, following observations have been given by the Permanent Medical Board comprising of eleven doctors including chairperson, which is reproduced as under